Hikers Shane Bauer, Joshua Fattal freed by Iran

IRAN

Published 3:53 pm, Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal, the U.S. men convicted of spying in Iran, landed in Oman following their release from jail earlier on Wednesday. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).

Media: San Francisco Chronicle

BERKELEY -- In what family members described as "the best day of our lives," two UC Berkeley graduates were freed Wednesday in exchange for $1 million after spending more than two years in Iran, where they were jailed as alleged U.S. spies and exploited as political pawns.

The release of freelance journalist Shane Bauer and his friend Joshua Fattal, who flew to Oman with diplomats from that country and Switzerland, came a day before Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was scheduled to speak at the U.N. General Assembly in New York.

But even if it had the whiff of political theater, the release prompted elation from the men's relatives, friends and high-profile supporters.

In Muscat, the capital of Oman, on the Arabian Peninsula, a party that traveled to meet the men's flight included Bauer's parents and two sisters and Fattal's parents and brother.

Also on hand was Sarah Shourd, 33, who was detained with the men while on a hiking expedition that took them just across the Iranian border on July 31, 2009. Just before Iran released her last September, she accepted a makeshift engagement ring from Bauer, fashioned of string.

(FILES)--Sarah Shourd, the American hiker released from detention in Iran after 410 days, addresses a press conference in New York on September 19, 2010. Shourd, freed on bail last year, has been summoned for trial in Iran along with her two American friends who remain in custody, the prosecutor general said on Januray 31, 2011. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel Dunand (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images)
Ran on: 02-07-2011
Sarah Shourd is being tried in absentia.
Ran on: 05-12-2011
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(FILES)--Sarah Shourd, the American hiker released from detention in Iran after 410 days, addresses a press conference in New York on September 19, 2010. Shourd, freed on bail last year, has been summoned for ... more

Photo: Emmanuel Dunand, AFP/Getty Images

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American hiker Josh Fattal (C) is greeted on September 21, 2011 in Muscat, Oman, after Tehran released him and Shane Bauer (out of frame) on bail, months after handing them hefty jail terms. The pair was released earlier September 21, 2011 from Tehran's notorious Evin prison, after more than two years in jail for spying and illegal entry into Iran, after the Gulf sultanate of Oman paid their bail. AFP PHOTO / Mohammed MAHJOUB (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED MAHJOUB/AFP/Getty Images) less

American hiker Josh Fattal (C) is greeted on September 21, 2011 in Muscat, Oman, after Tehran released him and Shane Bauer (out of frame) on bail, months after handing them hefty jail terms. The pair was ... more

Photo: Mohammed Mahjoub, AFP/Getty Images

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In this photo released by the Islamic Republic News Agency, IRNA, on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011, US hikers Shane Bauer, right, and Josh Fattal, smile, at the Tehran's Mehrabad airport before leaving Iran. Two Americans jailed in Iran as spies left Tehran on Wednesday, closing a high-profile drama with archfoe Washington that brought more than two years of hope then heartbreak for the families as the Islamic Republic's hard-line rulers rejected international calls for their release. (AP Photo/IRNA, Ehsan Nederipour) less

In this photo released by the Islamic Republic News Agency, IRNA, on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011, US hikers Shane Bauer, right, and Josh Fattal, smile, at the Tehran's Mehrabad airport before leaving Iran. Two ... more

Employee Nancy Campeau adjusts a display after adding a sign to a display in support of Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal at Sprouts Hometown Market & Gifts in Pine City, Minn., Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011. Store owner ... more

Photo: Courtney Perry, AP

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Iranian Masoud Shaffi the lawyer of the American hikers speaks with Journalists outside Tehran's Evin prison, on September 21, 2011. Two US hikers, Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer, both 29, jailed for spying and illegal entry into Iran from northern Iraq, were on their way home to the United States after Iran released them on bail, months after handing them hefty jail terms. AFP PHOTO/ATTA KENARE (Photo credit should read ATTA KENARE/AFP/Getty Images) less

Iranian Masoud Shaffi the lawyer of the American hikers speaks with Journalists outside Tehran's Evin prison, on September 21, 2011. Two US hikers, Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer, both 29, jailed for spying and ... more

Photo: Atta Kenare, AFP/Getty Images

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In this photo taken in July 2011, US hikers Shane Bauer, left, and Josh Fattal, sit at a restaurant in a park in northern Tehran, during custody in Iran. Two Americans jailed in Iran as spies left Tehran on Wednesday Sept. 21, 2011, closing a high-profile drama with archfoe Washington that brought more than two years of hope then heartbreak for the families as the Islamic Republic's hard-line rulers rejected international calls for their release. (AP Photo/Press TV) less

In this photo taken in July 2011, US hikers Shane Bauer, left, and Josh Fattal, sit at a restaurant in a park in northern Tehran, during custody in Iran. Two Americans jailed in Iran as spies left Tehran on ... more

Photo: Str, AP

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FILE - In this May 21, 2010 file photo, American hikers Shane Bauer, left, and Josh Fattal are shown in Tehran, Iran. The lawyer for two Americans jailed as spies in Iran says a $1 million bail-for-freedom deal has been approved by the courts, clearing the way for the release of the men after more than two years in custody. Masoud Shafiei says he plans to go to Tehran's Evin prison later on Wednesday Sept. 21, 2011 to begin the procedures for the release of Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal. (AP Photo/Press TV, File) less

FILE - In this May 21, 2010 file photo, American hikers Shane Bauer, left, and Josh Fattal are shown in Tehran, Iran. The lawyer for two Americans jailed as spies in Iran says a $1 million bail-for-freedom deal ... more

Photo: AP

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American hikers Shane Bauer (R) and Josh Fattal (L) step off an Omani Royal Air Force planeon September 21, 2011 in Muscat, Oman, after Tehran released them on bail, months after handing them hefty jail terms. The pair was released earlier September 21, 2011 from Tehran's notorious Evin prison, after more than two years in jail for spying and illegal entry into Iran, after the Gulf sultanate of Oman paid their bail. AFP PHOTO / Mohammed MAHJOUB (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED MAHJOUB/AFP/Getty Images) less

American hikers Shane Bauer (R) and Josh Fattal (L) step off an Omani Royal Air Force planeon September 21, 2011 in Muscat, Oman, after Tehran released them on bail, months after handing them hefty jail terms. ... more

Photo: Mohammed Mahjoub, AFP/Getty Images

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American hiker Shane Bauer (R) is greeted on September 21, 2011 in Muscat, Oman, after Tehran released him and Josh Fattal (out of frame) on bail, months after handing them hefty jail terms. The pair was released earlier September 21, 2011 from Tehran's notorious Evin prison, after more than two years in jail for spying and illegal entry into Iran, after the Gulf sultanate of Oman paid their bail. AFP PHOTO / Mohammed MAHJOUB (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED MAHJOUB/AFP/Getty Images) less

American hiker Shane Bauer (R) is greeted on September 21, 2011 in Muscat, Oman, after Tehran released him and Josh Fattal (out of frame) on bail, months after handing them hefty jail terms. The pair was ... more

Photo: Mohammed Mahjoub, AFP/Getty Images

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American hiker Shane Bauer (C) is embraced by his mother (L) and sister after stepping off an Omani Royal Air Force plane on September 21, 2011 in Muscat, Oman, after Tehran released Bauer and Josh Fattal on bail, months after handing them hefty jail terms. The pair was released earlier September 21, 2011 from Tehran's notorious Evin prison, after more than two years in jail for spying and illegal entry into Iran, after the Gulf sultanate of Oman paid their bail. Bauer and Fattal were arrested along with Sarah Shourd near the mountainous border with Iraq on July 31, 2009. All three have consistently maintained they innocently strayed into Iran while hiking in Iraq's Kurdistan region. Shourd was released last year on humanitarian and medical grounds. AFP PHOTO / Mohammed MAHJOUB (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED MAHJOUB/AFP/Getty Images) less

American hiker Shane Bauer (C) is embraced by his mother (L) and sister after stepping off an Omani Royal Air Force plane on September 21, 2011 in Muscat, Oman, after Tehran released Bauer and Josh Fattal on ... more

Photo: Mohammed Mahjoub, AFP/Getty Images

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American hiker Shane Bauer (C) poses with his mother (2nd L) and two sisters and fiancee Sarah Shourd (2nd R) after stepping off an Omani Royal Air Force plane on September 21, 2011 in Muscat, Oman, after Tehran released Bauer and Josh Fattal on bail, months after handing them hefty jail terms. The pair was released earlier September 21, 2011 from Tehran's notorious Evin prison, after more than two years in jail for spying and illegal entry into Iran, after the Gulf sultanate of Oman paid their bail. Bauer and Fattal were arrested along with Shourd near the mountainous border with Iraq on July 31, 2009. All three have consistently maintained they innocently strayed into Iran while hiking in Iraq's Kurdistan region. Shourd, the third hiker, was released last year on humanitarian and medical grounds. AFP PHOTO / Mohammed MAHJOUB (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED MAHJOUB/AFP/Getty Images) less

American hiker Shane Bauer (C) poses with his mother (2nd L) and two sisters and fiancee Sarah Shourd (2nd R) after stepping off an Omani Royal Air Force plane on September 21, 2011 in Muscat, Oman, after ... more

Photo: Mohammed Mahjoub, AFP/Getty Images

Image 14 of 23

American hiker Josh Fattal (C) is greeted on September 21, 2011 in Muscat, Oman, after Tehran released him and Shane Bauer (out of frame) on bail, months after handing them hefty jail terms. The pair was released earlier September 21, 2011 from Tehran's notorious Evin prison, after more than two years in jail for spying and illegal entry into Iran, after the Gulf sultanate of Oman paid their bail. AFP PHOTO / Mohammed MAHJOUB (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED MAHJOUB/AFP/Getty Images) less

American hiker Josh Fattal (C) is greeted on September 21, 2011 in Muscat, Oman, after Tehran released him and Shane Bauer (out of frame) on bail, months after handing them hefty jail terms. The pair was ... more

Photo: Mohammed Mahjoub, AFP/Getty Images

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In this photo released by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011, U.S. hikers Shane Bauer, second left, and Josh Fattal, second right, escorted by unidentified Omani officials, walk to board a plane to leave Tehran's Mehrabad airport, Iran. After more than two years in Iranian custody, the two Americans convicted as spies took their first steps toward home Wednesday as they bounded down from the private jet and into the arms of family for a joyful reunion in the Gulf state of Oman. (AP Photo/IRNA, Ehsan Nederipour) less

In this photo released by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011, U.S. hikers Shane Bauer, second left, and Josh Fattal, second right, escorted by unidentified Omani officials, walk ... more

Photo: Ehsan Naderipour, AP

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Freed American Josh Fattal, center in blue shirt, hugs his relatives upon his arrival from Iran, in Muscat, Oman Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011. After more than two years in Iranian custody, two Americans convicted as spies took their first steps toward home Wednesday as they bounded down from a private jet and into the arms of family for a joyful reunion in the Gulf state of Oman. (AP Photo/Sultan Al-Hasani) less

Freed American Josh Fattal, center in blue shirt, hugs his relatives upon his arrival from Iran, in Muscat, Oman Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011. After more than two years in Iranian custody, two Americans convicted ... more

Photo: Sultan Al-Hasani, AP

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Freed American Josh Fattal, left, meets his relatives and friends upon his arrival from Iran, in Muscat, Oman Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011. After more than two years in Iranian custody, two Americans convicted as spies took their first steps toward home Wednesday as they bounded down from a private jet and into the arms of family for a joyful reunion in the Gulf state of Oman. (AP Photo/Sultan Al-Hasani) less

Freed American Josh Fattal, left, meets his relatives and friends upon his arrival from Iran, in Muscat, Oman Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011. After more than two years in Iranian custody, two Americans convicted as ... more

Photo: Sultan Al-Hasani, AP

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American hiker Josh Fattal is hugged by a family member after stepping off an Omani Royal Air Force plane on September 21, 2011 in Muscat, Oman, after Tehran released Shane Bauer and Fattal on bail, months after handing them hefty jail terms. The pair was released earlier September 21, 2011 from Tehran's notorious Evin prison, after more than two years in jail for spying and illegal entry into Iran, after the Gulf sultanate of Oman paid their bail. Bauer and Fattal were arrested along with Sarah Shourd near the mountainous border with Iraq on July 31, 2009. All three have consistently maintained they innocently strayed into Iran while hiking in Iraq's Kurdistan region. Shourd was released last year on humanitarian and medical grounds. AFP PHOTO / Mohammed MAHJOUB (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED MAHJOUB/AFP/Getty Images) less

American hiker Josh Fattal is hugged by a family member after stepping off an Omani Royal Air Force plane on September 21, 2011 in Muscat, Oman, after Tehran released Shane Bauer and Fattal on bail, months ... more

Photo: Mohammed Mahjoub, AFP/Getty Images

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Freed American Shane Bauer, center, meets his relatives and friends upon his arrival from Iran, in Muscat, Oman Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011. After more than two years in Iranian custody, two Americans convicted as spies took their first steps toward home Wednesday as they bounded down from a private jet and into the arms of family for a joyful reunion in the Gulf state of Oman. (AP Photo/Sultan Al-Hasani) less

Freed American Shane Bauer, center, meets his relatives and friends upon his arrival from Iran, in Muscat, Oman Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011. After more than two years in Iranian custody, two Americans convicted ... more

Photo: Sultan Al-Hasani, AP

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Family and friends await the arrival of American hikers Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal (both out of framne) on September 21, 2011 in Muscat, Oman, after Tehran released them on bail, months after handing them hefty jail terms. The pair was released earlier September 21, 2011 from Tehran's notorious Evin prison, after more than two years in jail for spying and illegal entry into Iran, after the Gulf sultanate of Oman paid their bail. AFP PHOTO / Mohammed MAHJOUB (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED MAHJOUB/AFP/Getty Images) less

Family and friends await the arrival of American hikers Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal (both out of framne) on September 21, 2011 in Muscat, Oman, after Tehran released them on bail, months after handing them ... more

Photo: Mohammed Mahjoub, AFP/Getty Images

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Hikers Shane Bauer, Joshua Fattal freed by Iran

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'Best day of our lives'

"Today can only be described as the best day of our lives," the families of Bauer, Fattal and Shourd said in a joint statement. "We have waited for nearly 26 months for this moment, and the joy and relief we feel at Shane and Josh's long-awaited freedom knows no bounds."

The family members thanked Swiss and Omani diplomats, the men's attorney in Iran and supporters around the world. They said they had wanted "nothing more than to wrap Shane and Josh in our arms, catch up on two lost years and make a new beginning, for them and for all of us."

The men, both 29, were freed from Evin Prison in Tehran after a court in that city agreed to set bail for each at $500,000 rather than force them to serve the eight-year prison terms they received recently after being convicted of espionage.

Their attorney in Iran, Masoud Shafii, told CNN that the Omani government had paid the $1 million bail - essentially a ransom for the men's release. The U.S. government had to work through intermediaries because it has not had diplomatic ties with Tehran since the hostage crisis of 1979.

It was not immediately clear how long Bauer and Fattal would stay in Oman before flying home.

A long ordeal

Among those celebrating the release was President Obama, who said in a statement, "The tireless advocacy of their families over these two years has won my admiration, and is now coming to an end with Josh and Shane back in their arms. All Americans join their families and friends in celebrating their long-awaited return home."

Shafii and diplomats had worked intensively to free the men since Sept. 13, when Ahmadinejad promised to let them go as a "humanitarian gesture" and a court set the bail amounts.

A similar $500,000 payment led to the release last September of Shourd, who is also a UC Berkeley graduate and who had spent 410 days in solitary confinement. She, too, was initially flown to Oman.

The release of Bauer and Fattal ends an ordeal that began with what the men and Shourd have described as an innocent hike in Iraq's semiautonomous Kurdish region.

At the time, Bauer and Shourd were living and working in Damascus, Syria - he as a freelance journalist and she teaching English to Iraqi refugees. Fattal, a native of Pennsylvania, was visiting the couple after working as a teaching fellow in Asia and Africa.

Bauer, a Minnesota native whose writing and photography have appeared in The Chronicle, sent an e-mail four days before his arrest to Sandy Close, executive director of New America Media in San Francisco. He said he was going to Iraq's Kurdish region, where elections were being held, to "feel out the situation there and get some ideas for deeper stories."

After her release, Shourd, a Los Angeles native, said she and her companions had been arrested while hiking near a waterfall that is popular with tourists and locals. She said they had accidentally crossed into Iran after an armed guard beckoned them off a path and then refused to allow them to return.

If her group was across the border, Shourd said, "that border was entirely unmarked and indistinguishable."

'No political agenda'

Close said Wednesday that the case is a cautionary tale for travelers and overseas journalists, and called the spying accusation "an offense against the imagination," given the hikers' background.

At UC Berkeley, Bauer majored in peace and conflict studies with a minor in Arabic, and traveled to Sudan's war-torn Darfur region at one point to research a thesis. After Shourd graduated with a major in English, she tutored middle-school students in Berkeley and later did some writing from the Middle East.

Bauer and Fattal, who majored in environmental economics and policy, once taught a student-run class called "Liberation and reality: moving toward a collective autonomy."

"They had no political agenda. They wanted to embrace the world, and they had a love of Arab culture," Close said.

Despite the ordeal, she added of Bauer, "It will be a very short time before Shane goes out on the road again. I think that's what his DNA is all about. He's an explorer, a Marco Polo. He really wants to discover what's going on and share it."